Winter skin 101: skin savers for the coming cold days

Prepare for the chilly season by replacing your everyday lotions with richer, more nourishing skincare products, writes Sheree Mutton.

It’s no secret that winter can wreak havoc on your skin. Chilly temperatures, biting winds and dry air can leave skin feeling tight, rough, and itchy. “Dry and itchy skin is a common complaint during the winter months,” says Sydney dermatologist Dr Hanna Kuchel. This condition is otherwise known as “winter itch”.

Heaters, wind, dry air and long, hot showers all take their toll on the skin.

“The thin layer of oil that traps moisture in the skin is easily lost, causing small cracks to appear in the skin barrier,” she says. “These cracks lead to irritation and flare-ups of itchy conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and severe dry skin.”

There are, however, simple steps you can take to avoid the dreaded dry and flaky skin that can plague many of us during the cooler months. Here’s how to shield your skin.

Switch your moisturiser

“Within our daily regimen, sometimes a more occlusive [water-retaining] moisturiser may be required, along with a hydrating serum, which would be a helpful addition,” says Tracey Beeby, Ultraceuticals skin expert. “Certain skin conditions that could flare up are dermatitis and eczema due to the dry air and harsh temperatures, but also the fact that the skin is covered with woollen clothing can often irritate the skin. Keeping the skin well-hydrated with both a hydrating serum and moisturiser are essential. Sometimes an upgrade in your moisturiser is necessary. Internal hydration is also important, so drinking plenty of water and avoiding long hot showers will also assist.”

Dr Kuchel says richer products such as ointments and creams, rather than lotions, are better for winter. “Active ingredients such as urea, lactic acid, and salicylic acid are good for the body and especially lower limbs that are dry,” she says.